Gate-latch



UNITED STATES EDWIN J. GRENDING, OF COLFAX, ILLINOIS.

GATE-LATCH.

Specification of Letters Patent.

vPatented Aug. 3, 1920.

K Application inea January 31, 191e. senin No. 75,371.

lthe gate from either side without the provision of extra knobs, levers or the like.

Another object of this invention is to pro` vide a device of the class above described which is simple in construction, effective in operation, and cheap to manufacture and install.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will appear from the following detail description andy claim, taken withan inspection of the accompanying drawing, in

" which- Figure 1 is a perspective view of my improved gate latch, and

Fig. 2 is a transverse sectional-view of a gate showing my improved latch association therewith.

Referring more particularly to the drawing7 wherein similar characters of reference designate like and corresponding parts throughout the various views, 1 designates the jamb or frame of a door or gate and 2 the gate. The device of my invention, of course, may be applied to any gates or doors of the hinged type.

My latch includes a latch member, designated 3 in its entirety, of bell crank shape having a latch arm 41 and an operating arm 5. The latch member 3 is pivoted between brackets 6 on a screw 7, said brackets being secured on the gate 2 by means of screws 8 or the like. The latch arm l is provided on its free end with a tapered enlargement 9 forming a shoulder 10 for engagement with a staple 11 or similar pro'- jection carried by the frame 1, the inner edge of the enlargement adjacent the shoulder being curved toward the outer end to facilitate engagement of the enlargement with the staple when the door is being closed.

From an inspection of the operating arm 5 it will be noted that the same is slightly arcuate throughout its length, which serves to position the free end of said arm away from ythe surface of the gate 1 to permit free movement of the arm 5 at times. 5 is provided preferably midway its length with a knurled enlargement 12 forming a linger engaging portion for unlatching the gate and forcing the latter open.

In order to unlatch and open the gate from the side opposite the latch member, I provide a rod 13 operating in an opening transversely of the gate, said rod having one end bifurcated as at 1-1 for engagement with the free end of the arm 5, a screw 15 or the like pivotally connecting said arm and said rod. Washers 16 'and 17 are placed on the opposite faces of the gate and said rod 13 operates through said washers, the latter serving as bearings. A coiled spring 18 is wound about the rod 13 between the bifurcated end 14 and the washer 16 to maintain he latch arm normally in engaging position.

The washer 17 is prevented from dislodgment by means of nails or the like 19. In order to pull the rod 13 to unfasten the latch, I provide a nger engaging ring 20 carried on the free end of said rod.

In order to unlatch the gate from the side on which the latch member is mounted pressure is applied to the arm 5 by placing a linger or the thumb against the knurled enlargement 12. This will move the shoulder `10 out of engagement with the staple 11 thereby both unlatching and opening the gate. To open the gate from the opposite side the ring 2O is grasped and pulled which will automatically unlatch and open the gate. I desire to call particular attention to the peculiar formation of the latch member wherein the arm 5 is curved, which allows the pivot '7 to be placed close to the door or gate. Of course, when the gate is pushed `into closed position it is automatically latched.

. From the above description taken in connection4 with the accompanying drawings, it is thought that a clear and comprehensive understanding of the construction, operation and advantages of my invention may be had, Vand while I'have shown and described my invention as embodying a specific structure, I desire that it be understood that I may make such changes on said structure as do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invgntion as described.

The arm Whatclaim as my invention and desire to' secure by Letters Patent is: u A latch of the character described, comprising a latch member of substantiallybellY crank shape having one arm of hook form to provide a latch portion and the other arm V constituting an operating portion, a bracket pivote-ily supporting the latch member -adja cent to the point of juncture of the latching and operating portions'thereof-and adapted tovbeY secured to a movable par-t, 'a staple adapted to be secured in axed part andengageable by the latch portionV of said latchl Y member, an actuating rod adapted to be slid-V ably tted through .the movable. i par-t and tion, a spring active upon the rod and the 20 lmovable .part for normally sustaining the latching portion of the latch member in position for positive engagement with the staple, a knurled enlargement formed on the operating portionbf thelatch member spaced vfrom 25 the end pivotally connected With the rod and on the outermost edge thereof.

Intestimony whereof l aflix mysignature hereto. p f

p' EDWIN J. GRENDING. 

